Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chewy cookies blend the sweetness of maraschino cherries with the richness of semisweet chocolate chips, creating a flavor combination that’s hard to resist. The dough is perfectly balanced, with the right amount of sweetness and a soft, chewy texture. They bake up golden brown on the edges while staying soft in the middle, making every bite a little piece of heaven. Quick to prepare and bake, these cookies are perfect for any time you’re craving something sweet.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup maraschino cherries, drained and chopped
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies Recipe

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Fold in Cherries and Chocolate: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and semisweet chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop Dough: Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies

Notes

These cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a sweet treat at home.
Be sure to drain the cherries thoroughly before adding them to the dough to avoid excess moisture.
For an extra touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet flavor combination.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage.

Variations

Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider folding in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cherries and chocolate chips.
Use Dark Chocolate: Swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.
Cherry Substitute: If you don’t have maraschino cherries, you can substitute with dried cherries or fresh cherries, though you may need to adjust the moisture content.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them fresh for longer, freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use dried cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Yes, you can substitute dried cherries for maraschino cherries. Just be aware that dried cherries are less sweet and contain less moisture, so you might want to increase the amount of sugar or add a little more liquid to the dough.

How can I prevent the dough from spreading too much?

If you’re concerned about the cookies spreading too much, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This will help the cookies keep their shape during baking.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Simply cover it and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If the dough is too firm after refrigeration, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

Can I use a stand mixer instead of a hand mixer?

Yes, a stand mixer works perfectly for this recipe! Just use the paddle attachment to cream the butter and sugars and to mix the dough.

How do I store the cookies for longer?

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, freeze them in a container lined with parchment paper between layers of cookies. You can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

These Cherry Chocolate Chewy Cookies are an irresistible combination of sweet cherries and rich chocolate chips, baked into soft, chewy perfection. They’re easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and a delicious treat to share with friends and family. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee or sharing them at a holiday gathering, these cookies are sure to be a hit!